Video

Solar Panel Warranties

Education

Solar is a long-term investment, so understanding the warranties behind your system is an important part of knowing what you’re actually buying.

In this Big Dog Solar video, the team breaks down the main types of warranties homeowners may see when comparing solar equipment and installation companies.

First is the performance warranty. Many solar panels include performance coverage lasting 25 years or longer. This type of warranty generally guarantees that the panels will continue producing at or above a specified percentage of their original output as they naturally degrade over time.

Next is the product warranty, which covers defects or physical problems with the solar panel itself. The length of this coverage depends on the manufacturer and panel model.

Other components also have their own warranties. Inverters, batteries, and related solar equipment may carry separate manufacturer warranties with different terms, coverage limits, and time periods.

Finally, homeowners should pay attention to the workmanship warranty provided by the installer. This coverage relates to the quality of the installation itself and can help protect against certain problems caused by installation work.

The key takeaway: don’t look at solar as having just one warranty. A complete system can include several different warranties, and it’s important to understand who provides each one, what it covers, and how long that coverage lasts.

Video Transcript

Chapter 1: Why Solar Warranties Matter

Let’s talk about a crucial aspect of your solar investment: warranties.

What are they, and what do they cover?

Let’s break it down.

Solar panels are a long-term investment, and their warranties reflect that.

Chapter 2: Performance Warranty

Many solar panels come with a performance warranty of at least 25 years, with some extending to 30 years.

This warranty is designed to ensure that your panels maintain a specified level of performance over time.

Chapter 3: Product Warranty

Beyond performance, there’s also the product warranty.

Depending on the manufacturer and equipment, this warranty covers the physical condition of the panels themselves rather than simply how much electricity they produce.

In other words, it’s designed to protect against certain defects or equipment-related issues.

Chapter 4: Inverter & Battery Warranties

Other important components, such as inverters and batteries, also come with their own warranties.

Depending on the manufacturer and product, those warranties can vary considerably in length and coverage.

These components play an important role in the overall operation and lifespan of the solar system, so it’s important to understand their individual warranty terms too.

Chapter 5: Workmanship Warranty

A reputable solar installation company should also provide a workmanship warranty.

This type of warranty covers certain problems related to the quality of the installation itself.

A strong workmanship warranty demonstrates that the installer is willing to stand behind the work they perform.

Understanding all of the warranties associated with your solar system is an important part of protecting your investment.

They can provide valuable peace of mind and help you understand what support is available if something goes wrong.

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